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Liquid Phase 3D Printing: How This New Technology Can Help Bring 3D Printing to the Operating Room

  • The Use of Technology in Orthopaedic Surgery - Intraoperative and Post-Operative Management (C Krueger, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to discuss the state of technology in liquid phase three-dimensional (3D) metal printing, how this has affected the field of orthopedic surgery, and changes that we can expect in the future with the rise of this printing technology. We will also discuss how liquid phase metal printing can possibly bring three-dimensional printing to the operating room.

Recent Findings

The use of liquid phase 3D metal printing may become commonplace for manufacturing orthopedic implants and devices. Traditional metal printing involved powder-based metals and high-energy beam technologies that are expensive, time-consuming, and potentially wasteful. This unfortunately leaves them out of reach for most end consumers such as orthopedic surgeons. Liquid phase metal printing is less expensive and faster. However, there is still major work required to bring this technology to the operating room and benefit patients.

Summary

While major strides have been made in the field of liquid phase metal three-dimensional printing, there are still significant developments in the pipeline. These could lead to future production of personalized orthopedic implants and devices with optimal material properties for patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Eytan M. Debbi, Simarjeet Puri & Brian P. Chalmers

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Alexander G. Athey

Authors
  1. Eytan M. Debbi
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  2. Simarjeet Puri
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  3. Alexander G. Athey
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  4. Brian P. Chalmers
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Correspondence to Brian P. Chalmers.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on The Use of Technology in Orthopaedic Surgery - Intraoperative and Post-Operative Management

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Debbi, E.M., Puri, S., Athey, A.G. et al. Liquid Phase 3D Printing: How This New Technology Can Help Bring 3D Printing to the Operating Room. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 15, 213–218 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-022-09758-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-022-09758-3

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